U.S. patent number 10,918,130 [Application Number 16/377,536] was granted by the patent office on 2021-02-16 for hand held water filter.
This patent grant is currently assigned to MJ'S ARSENAL LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is MJ's Arsenal LLC. Invention is credited to Josh Camitta.
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United States Patent |
10,918,130 |
Camitta |
February 16, 2021 |
Hand held water filter
Abstract
A hand-held water filter for filtering smoke or vapor to be
inhaled by the user. The water filter includes a tapered receptacle
that is integrally formed with the vessel body of the water filter
and configured to receive a smoking or vaporizing article. The
water filter includes an integrated downtube configured to deliver
smoke from the smoking or vaporizing article into a water reservoir
prior to inhalation.
Inventors: |
Camitta; Josh (Denver, CO) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MJ's Arsenal LLC |
Denver |
CO |
US |
|
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Assignee: |
MJ'S ARSENAL LLC (Denver,
CO)
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Family
ID: |
1000005362696 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/377,536 |
Filed: |
April 8, 2019 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20190230980 A1 |
Aug 1, 2019 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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15796623 |
Oct 27, 2017 |
10251419 |
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62473279 |
Mar 17, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F
1/30 (20130101); A24F 13/06 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A24F
1/30 (20060101); A24F 13/06 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2561331 |
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Mar 2008 |
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CA |
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1016396 |
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Aug 2002 |
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DE |
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1173848 |
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Dec 1969 |
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GB |
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1274168 |
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May 1972 |
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GB |
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WO2001/074184 |
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Oct 2001 |
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WO |
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Other References
The Dab Lab--Online Headshop, "Schmalex Nomad Banger Hanger Rig at
TheDabLab.com," https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcKor5LKrrk, 7
pages, Sep. 23, 2015. cited by applicant .
The Dab Lab--Online Headshop, "Rawlins Glass Banger Hanger
Rig--TheDabLab.com," https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wh4bGNI-w90, 6
pages, Aug. 28, 2015. cited by applicant .
Potland TreeBlazer, "Golden Glob Off the Super Think Quartz
Banger," https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdSg4upIK2s, 7 pages, Mar.
10, 2015. cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Wilson; Michael H.
Assistant Examiner: Will; Katherine A
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck,
LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
This application is a continuation-in-part patent application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/796,623, filed Oct. 27, 2017
and titled "Water Filter Configured to Receive a Rolled Product,"
which is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/473,279,
filed Mar. 17, 2017 and titled "Water Filter Configured to Receive
a Rolled Product," the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated
herein by reference in their entireties.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A water filter for inhaling a combustible or vaporized product,
the water filter comprising: a vessel body having an outer wall
formed from a vessel material and that defines an external surface
of the water filter and an internal cavity configured to retain a
liquid, the vessel body configured to be held in the hand while
inhaling the combustible or vaporized product; a mouthpiece
integrally formed with the vessel body from the vessel material and
extending from an upper portion of the vessel body, the mouthpiece
defining an opening through the outer wall; a receptacle integrally
formed with the vessel body from the vessel material and defining a
conical internal surface that is configured to receive an article
for producing the combustible or vaporized product; and a downtube
extending into the internal cavity from the receptacle and
integrally coupled to an inner surface of the outer wall, the
downtube defining multiple openings that are proximate the inner
surface of the outer wall and that are configured to direct
combusted or vaporized material from the combustible or vaporized
product into the retained liquid.
2. The water filter of claim 1, wherein: the downtube has a chamber
that is defined, in part, by the outer wall of the vessel body; the
downtube meets the inner surface of the outer wall at a seam; and
the multiple openings are positioned along the seam.
3. The water filter of claim 1, wherein: the vessel material is a
glass material; and the vessel body, the mouthpiece, the
receptacle, and the downtube are integrally formed to define a
unitary monolithic piece.
4. The water filter of claim 1, wherein the conical internal
surface is configured to form a seal between the article and the
receptacle.
5. The water filter of claim 4, wherein the conical internal
surface has a sand blasted surface finish that facilitates the seal
between the article and the receptacle.
6. The water filter of claim 1, wherein: the water filter further
comprises a base configured to support the water filter on a flat
surface; and the receptacle extends upward at an angle with respect
to the flat surface.
7. The water filter of claim 1, wherein: the vessel body defines a
carburation port; and the carburation port is positioned above the
receptacle by a distance that enables the carburation port to be
covered by an index finger of a user's hand when the water filter
is being held in the hand.
8. The water filter of claim 1, wherein: the vessel material is a
glass material; the downtube is formed from the glass material; and
the downtube is integrally formed with the vessel body to define a
single monolithic piece.
9. A water filter for inhaling a vaporized product, the water
filter comprising: a vessel body defining an internal cavity
configured to hold water in a lower region of the vessel body; a
mouthpiece extending from and integrally formed with an upper
portion of the vessel body, the mouthpiece defining an opening that
extends into the internal cavity; a vaporizer bucket having a flat
lower surface surrounded by a wall, the flat lower surface
configured to vaporize a product to produce the vaporized product
in response to receiving heat from an external source, the
vaporizer bucket having an outlet defined along an upper portion of
the wall and configured to receive the vaporized product and route
the vaporized product to a conical protrusion through a hollow
tube; a receptacle extending integrally formed with the vessel
body, the receptacle having an inner conical surface that is
configured to receive the conical protrusion of the vaporizer
bucket; and a downtube integrally formed with the vessel body and
extending from the receptacle into the internal cavity, the
downtube having an outlet that is configured to be submerged by the
water in the lower region of the vessel body to deliver the
vaporized product into the water.
10. The water filter of claim 9, wherein the vaporizer bucket is
integrally formed from a glass material.
11. The water filter of claim 10, wherein: the inner conical
surface defines a first internal diameter at an opening of the
receptacle; the inner conical surface defines a second internal
diameter located inward of the opening of the receptacle proximate
to the vessel body; the first internal diameter ranges between 10
mm and 20 mm; and the second internal diameter is less than the
first internal diameter and ranges between 2 mm and 9 mm.
12. The water filter of claim 10, wherein the inner conical surface
includes a textured surface configured to facilitate a seal between
the vaporizer bucket and the inner conical surface.
13. The water filter of claim 10, wherein the inner conical surface
has an interior angle that ranges between 5 and 10 degrees.
14. The water filter of claim 9, wherein an outer surface of the
conical protrusion and the inner conical surface of the receptacle
are textured to facilitate a seal between the vaporizer bucket and
the receptacle.
15. The water filter of claim 9, wherein: the vessel body includes
an outer wall that defines the internal cavity; the downtube
comprises a chamber that is configured to receive combusted or
vaporized product received at the receptacle; the chamber is
defined, in part, by the outer wall of the vessel body; and the
chamber includes a chamber wall that defines the outlet that is
submerged by the water in the lower region of the vessel body.
16. A water filter comprising: a glass vessel body having a
sidewall defining an internal cavity that is configured to hold
water; a mouthpiece coupled to the glass vessel body and defining
an opening into an upper portion of the internal cavity; a
receptacle integrated with the glass vessel body and defining a
tapered surface that is configured to form a seal between a
vaporizer and the receptacle, the vaporizer configured to heat a
liquid product to produce a vaporized product; and a downtube that
is integrally formed with the sidewall of the glass vessel body and
operably coupled to multiple openings that are proximate the
sidewall of the glass vessel body and that are configured to
transfer the vaporized product from the receptacle to the
water.
17. The water filter of claim 16, wherein the vaporizer is a
hand-held device having an internal heating element that is
configured to heat the liquid product.
18. The water filter of claim 16, further comprising a carburation
port defining an aperture in the glass vessel body positioned
between the receptacle and the mouthpiece.
19. The water filter of claim 16, wherein: the downtube includes an
internal passage configured to transfer smoke or the vaporized
product from the receptacle; and the internal passage is defined,
in part, by an inner portion of the sidewall of the glass vessel
body.
Description
FIELD
The described embodiments relate generally to water filters. More
particularly, the present embodiments relate to a water filter that
is configured to receive a rolled product or other apparatus.
BACKGROUND
Tobacco and other combustible products may typically be ingested
through combustion and inhalation of the resulting smoke. Such
smoke may be passed through a filtering method and/or a cooling
method prior to entering the user's body. For instance, a cigarette
may include a filter made from cellulose acetate fiber, paper, or
activated charcoal, which may filter particulates in the smoke from
burning tobacco.
Some traditional products, like hookahs, pull smoke from a metal
cup through water or another type of liquid prior to inhalation.
However, traditional hookahs are bulky and can be difficult to
transport. Additionally, traditional hookahs are generally not
configured to accept a rolled product, such as a cigarette. The
following disclosure is directed to devices that overcome some of
these limitations with traditional products or devices.
SUMMARY
Embodiments described herein generally relate to a water filter or
water pipe for inhaling a combustible product, such as tobacco. The
water filter may be specially configured to receive a rolled
product, such as a rolled cigarette, and may accommodate various
sizes and shapes of cigarettes. The water filter may also be
adapted to receive a vaporizer or other apparatus for delivering
vaporized product. In some embodiments, the water filter or water
pipe includes a vessel body, a mouthpiece, a receptacle, and a
downtube.
The vessel body may include an outer wall defining an internal
water reservoir. The mouthpiece includes an opening through the
outer wall of the vessel body and is positioned on an upper portion
of the vessel body. A receptacle is designed to hold a rolled
cigarette or other apparatus and delivers smoke or vapor into a
lower portion of the water reservoir. The downtube couples to the
receptacle. In some implementations, the downtube includes a
chamber which is formed with the outer wall of the vessel body.
Some example embodiments are directed to a water filter having a
vessel body including defining an internal cavity configured to
retain a liquid. The water filter also includes a mouthpiece that
is integrally formed and positioned on an upper portion of the
vessel body and defines an opening through the outer wall. A
receptacle is integrally formed with the vessel body and is
configured to hold a rolled product. The water filter also includes
a downtube that extends from the receptacle to some portion of the
internal cavity. The downtube is configured to direct combusted or
vaporized material from the rolled product into the retained
liquid. In some instances, the vessel body defines a carburation
port positioned above the receptacle. In some implementations, the
vessel body, the mouthpiece, and the receptacle are integrally
formed from a glass material. In some implementations, the vessel
body, the mouthpiece, and the receptacle are integrally formed from
a silicone material.
In some embodiments, the receptacle defines a conical surface. The
conical surface may be configured to form a seal between the rolled
product and the receptacle. In some implementations, the conical
surface has an interior angle that ranges between 5 and 10
degrees.
In some embodiments, the receptacle defines a tapered surface
having a first diameter at an outer end and a second diameter at an
inner end. The first diameter may range between 10 mm and 20 mm.
The second diameter is less than the first diameter and may range
between 2 mm and 9 mm. The distance between the outer end and the
inner end may be approximately 10 mm to 25 mm. In some cases, the
first diameter may range between 12 and 16 mm, and the second
diameter ranges between 3 mm and 6 mm. In some implementations, the
tapered surface has a sand blasted surface finish that facilitates
the seal between the rolled product and the receptacle.
The water filter may be configured to be held in a user's hand and
the carburation port may be positioned above the receptacle by a
distance that enables the carburation port to be covered by an
index finger of the user's hand when the vessel body is being
held.
In some cases, the downtube is formed from a glass material and the
vessel body is formed from the same glass material. In some
implementations, the downtube is integrally formed with the vessel
body. Specifically, the downtube may include or define a chamber
that is define, at least in part, by some portion of an outer wall
of the vessel body.
Some example embodiments are directed to a water filter having a
vessel body that defines an internal cavity configured to hold
water in a lower region of the vessel body. The water filter may
also include a mouthpiece that is coupled to an upper portion of
the vessel body and defines an opening that extends into the
internal cavity. The water filter may also include a receptacle
formed integral with the vessel body and configured to receive a
rolled product. A downtube may be coupled to the receptacle and
have an outlet that is configured to be submerged by the water in
the lower region of the vessel body.
The water filter may also include a carburation port defining an
aperture in the glass vessel body positioned between the receptacle
and a top of the glass vessel body. In some cases, the downtube
includes an internal passage or chamber that is configured to
transfer smoke or vaporized product from the receptacle into the
water or liquid. The passage may be defined, in part, by an inner
portion of the sidewall of the glass vessel body.
In some implementations, the receptacle defines a conical section
that is configured to receive the rolled product. The conical
section may define a first internal diameter at an opening of the
receptacle and a second internal diameter located inward of the
opening of the receptacle proximate to the vessel body. The first
internal diameter may range between 10 and 20 mm, and the second
internal diameter is less than the first diameter and ranges
between 2 mm and 9 mm. In some cases, the first internal diameter
may range between 12 and 16 mm, and the second internal diameter
ranges between 3 mm and 6 mm.
In some implementations, the conical section includes a textured
surface configured to facilitate a seal between the rolled product
and the conical section. The conical section may have an interior
angle that ranges between 5 and 10 degrees.
In some example embodiments, the vessel body includes an outer wall
that defines the internal cavity. The downtube may include or
define a chamber that is configured to receive combusted or
vaporized product from the rolled product that passes through the
receptacle. The chamber may be defined, in part, by the outer wall
of the vessel body. The chamber may also include a chamber wall
that defines the outlet that is submerged by the water in the lower
region of the vessel body.
Some example embodiments are directed to a water filter having a
glass vessel body having a sidewall defining an internal cavity
that is configured to hold water. The water filter may also include
a mouthpiece that is coupled to the glass vessel body and defines
an opening into an upper portion of the internal cavity. The water
filter may also include a receptacle integrated with the glass
vessel body and defining a tapered surface that is configured to
form a seal between the rolled product and the receptacle. A
downtube extends into the internal cavity and is configured to
transfer smoke or vaporized product from the receptacle to the
water.
In some embodiments, the rolled product includes an end portion
having a taper angle. The tapered surface of the receptacle may
have an internal angle that is greater than the taper angle of the
rolled product. In some implementations, the tapered surface
defines a first internal diameter ranging between 10 mm and 20 mm
and a second internal diameter ranging between 2 mm and 9 mm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed
description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein
like reference numerals designate like elements.
FIG. 1A depicts a first example of a water filter according to the
present disclosure.
FIGS. 1B-1F depict an example cross-sectional views of a water
filter.
FIG. 2A depicts a second example of a water filter, having an
ellipsoid vessel body.
FIG. 2B depicts a front view of the water filter of FIG. 2A.
FIG. 2C depicts a cross-sectional view of the water filter of FIG.
2A.
FIG. 3 depicts another example of a water filter, having a
pear-shaped vessel body.
FIG. 4 depicts another example of a water filter, having a barrel
or cylindrical-shaped vessel body.
FIG. 5 depicts another example of a water filter, having a conical
frustum-shaped body.
FIGS. 6A-6C depict another example of a water filter having an
alternative receptacle configuration.
FIGS. 7A-7B depict another example of a water filter and vaporizing
device.
The use of cross-hatching or shading in the accompanying figures is
generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent
elements and also to facilitate legibility of the figures.
Accordingly, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching
or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for
particular materials, material properties, element proportions,
element dimensions, commonalties of similarly illustrated elements,
or any other characteristic, attribute, or property for any element
illustrated in the accompanying figures.
Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions and
dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features
and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the
boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented
therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to
facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments described
herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or
illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any
preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the
exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood
that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the
embodiments to one preferred implementation. To the contrary, the
described embodiments are intended to cover alternatives,
modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit
and scope of the disclosure and as defined by the appended
claims.
The following disclosure relates to a water filter or water pipe
for smoking tobacco, a combustible product, and/or a vaporized
product. In some cases, the water filter or water pipe may be
configured to receive a rolled product, such as a cigarette. The
water filter may also have a tapered surface that is configured to
receive a vaporizer or vaporizer apparatus including, for example,
a vaporizer bucket or a vaporizer pen. The water filter or water
pipe typically includes a vessel body that defines a water
reservoir which holds water or another liquid for filtration and/or
cooling smoke prior to inhalation by a user. The water reservoir is
typically partially filled with liquid, such that smoke which
passes through the liquid is held within the reservoir in a portion
of the vessel that is located above the liquid. A specially
designed receptacle for the rolled product or vaporizer apparatus
is coupled to or integrally formed with the vessel body. The
receptacle may include a tapered or conical surface that is
configured to hold the rolled product or vaporizer and form a seal
between the rolled product or vaporizer and the receptacle. A
mouthpiece may be coupled to or integrally formed with the vessel
body and may be configured to allow a user to draw smoke or a
vaporized product into the user's mouth after it has passed through
the water.
Where some traditional products include a bowl or cup for holding
combustible products, embodiments of the present disclosure include
a receptacle shaped to receive a rolled product or a vaporizer
apparatus. The receptacle may be attached to or integrally formed
with the vessel body such that a cigarette will typically be held
parallel or inclined with respect to a horizontal plane when in
use. In some cases, the receptacle is inverted to allow for
insertion of a vaporizer apparatus from below. The receptacle may
have a conical shape, define a conical surface, or have a tapered
opening that is specially configured to receive a rolled product or
vaporizer apparatus. In some cases, the receptacle is configured to
receive rolled product that may vary in size and shape. The rolled
product may be placed within the receptacle and form a seal with
the water reservoir. In some embodiments, the receptacle may also
be textured to facilitate the formation of a seal when a cigarette
or a vaporized apparatus is placed within the receptacle.
A downtube may be functionally coupled to the receptacle in order
to pass smoke or vaporized product into the water held in the
reservoir of the vessel body. Thus, as the downtube fills with
smoke from a cigarette, the smoke or vaporized product will begin
to pass through the water and into an upper portion of the water
reservoir. Negative pressure may be created within the water
reservoir, further drawing smoke through the water and into the
reservoir. Once smoke or vaporized product enters the reservoir,
the user may inhale the smoke or vapor through the mouthpiece.
In some embodiments described herein, the downtube is formed
integral with the vessel body. The vessel body may include one or
more outer walls, and an inner portion of the wall or inner surface
may form a portion of the downtube. Such an embodiment may provide
a simpler and/or more durable water filter design with fewer
separate parts. In some cases, the vessel body, the receptacle, and
the downtube are integrally formed from a single material, such as
glass or other ceramic. In some cases the elements of the water
filter are integrally formed from a silicone, polymer, or other
type of material.
In many embodiments, the water filter may be small enough to be
easily held within an average adult hand. For example, the user may
hold the water filter in a single hand while operating a vaporizer
apparatus or lighting the rolled product with the other hand. The
water filter may accordingly be more portable, being easily carried
by hand, within a pocket, on a necklace or keychain, or a similar
method. An attachment point may be provided to facilitate
attachment of the water filter to another object, such as a
necklace.
These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to
FIGS. 1A-7B. However, those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect
to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be
construed as limiting.
FIGS. 1A-1F depict various examples of a water filter (e.g., water
pipe) according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1A, a
water filter 100a (e.g., a water pipe or bubbler) includes a vessel
body 102a, a receptacle 106a, and a mouthpiece 104a. In many
embodiments, the vessel body 102a, the receptacle 106a, and the
mouthpiece 104a are integrally formed as a single body from a
common material to define a monolithic component or monolithic
piece. In other embodiments, one or more elements or components of
the water filter may be separately formed.
In an example embodiment, the water filter 100a is formed from
glass (e.g., borosilicate glass, lead glass, soda-lime glass, and
so on). The water filter 100a may be formed from other suitable
materials, such as acrylic, silicone, polymer (e.g., high-density
polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, and so on), metal
(e.g., aluminum, steel, brass, and so on), wood, or ceramics (e.g.,
porcelain). In some embodiments, one or more of the vessel body
102a, receptacle 106a, and mouthpiece 104a are formed from distinct
materials. In some embodiments, some or all of these components may
be separable from one another.
The vessel body 102a is depicted as a cylinder, but may be formed
in another shape suitable to form an internal cavity. For example,
the vessel body 102a may be formed as a cube, a sphere, an
ellipsoid (see FIGS. 2A-2C), and other geometric shapes (see, e.g.,
FIGS. 3-7B), including non-regular geometric shapes, which may
include multiple internal volumes or chambers that may be
interconnected (or, in some cases, isolated from each other).
Typically, the mouthpiece 104a is positioned higher on the vessel
body 102a than the receptacle 106a, though this is not
required.
Turning to FIG. 1B, an example cross sectional view of a water
filter 100b, which may correspond to the water filter 100a depicted
in FIG. 1A. As shown in FIG. 1B, the vessel body 102b forms a water
reservoir 116b (e.g., a cavity). Smoke, combusted product, or
vaporized product may be processed by the water filter 100b prior
to inhalation by the user. For purposes of the discussion, smoke,
combusted product, vaporized product or other gaseous form of a
product or substance may be referred to herein simply as smoke.
In the example of FIG. 1B, smoke enters the water reservoir 116b
through the receptacle 106b, passes through a downtube 108b, and
into a lower portion of the water reservoir 116b. A user typically
partially fills the water reservoir 116b with a liquid up to at
least a millimeter above the outlet 113b or port of the downtube
108b, while leaving a (an upper) portion of the water reservoir
116b for accumulation of smoke which has passed through the
water.
The vessel body 102b may be formed such that the water reservoir
116b may hold a suitable liquid. The liquid may filter and/or cool
smoke which passes through it, delivering a more pleasant and/or
lower particulate smoke to a user. Smoke is typically drawn through
the liquid within the water reservoir as a series of small,
smoke-filled bubbles. As these bubbles pass through the liquid, the
liquid may filter water soluble and heavy particulates within the
smoke, such as ash. The liquid may further transfer heat from the
smoke-filled bubbles, cooling the smoke prior to its delivery to
the user. Additionally, the liquid may add humidity to the smoke,
decreasing drying effects from inhalation of smoke. Typically, the
water reservoir may be filled with water, but the water may contain
other elements such as flavoring or fragrant additives. Other
liquids may be placed within the water reservoir, such as fruit
juices, low alcohol beverages, and so on.
The receptacle 106b is typically formed in a conical or tapered
shape. The receptacle 106b may define a tapered surface, conical
surface, or conical section, as described herein. In this manner,
the receptacle 106b may accommodate a variety of shapes and sizes
of smoking or vaporizing article 180, which may include a various
rolled products like a cigarette, cigar, cigarillo, and so on or a
vaporizing article such as a vaporizer or vaporizer apparatus. For
simplicity, the smoking or vaporizing article 180 is referred to
herein as simply article 180. In an example embodiment, the
receptacle 106b may accommodate an article 180 having a diameter
ranging from four millimeters to fifteen millimeters. While the
particular size and shape of the article 180 may vary, the article
typically has an elongated shape that is tapered or angled at one
end.
The receptacle 106b may be configured to receive the article 180.
More specifically, the receptacle 106b may be configured to hold
the article 180 and form a seal between the article 180 and the
water filter 100b. The receptacle 106b may also be adapted to form
a seal between the inner surface of the receptacle 106b and an
article such as a vaporizer or a vaporizer apparatus. To facilitate
retaining and sealing with an article, the receptacle may have a
tapered or conical surface 107b. The tapered or conical surface
107b may define an internal conical angle .theta. (as measured as
an interior angle along the conical surface). The conical angle
.theta. may range between 5 and 20 degrees. In some instances, the
conical angle .theta. may range between 10 and 15 degrees. In some
instances, the conical angle .theta. may range between 5 and 10
degrees.
In some instances, the tapered or conical surface of the receptacle
106b may have a tapered or conical surface 107b having diameters
that are particularly well suited to receive the article 180. For
example, the receptacle 106b may define a tapered or conical
surface 107b that defines a first internal diameter 131b at the
opening or first end of the receptacle 106b and a second internal
diameter 132b at an internal portion or second end of the
receptacle 106b that is located inward of the opening (and
proximate to the vessel body 102b). In some cases, the first
diameter 131b ranges between 10 mm and 20 mm and the second
diameter 132b is smaller than the first diameter and ranges between
2 mm and 9 mm. In some implementations, the first diameter ranges
131b between 12 mm and 16 mm and the second diameter 132b is
smaller than the first diameter and ranges between 3 mm and 6 mm.
The receptacle 106b may also have a length or distance 133b between
the first and second end that ranges between 10 mm and 25 mm. In
some cases, the length or distance 133b ranges between 10 mm and 30
mm.
The receptacle 106b may be inclined or flat with respect to a
supporting flat surface. In the present example the central axis of
the receptacle 106 is substantially parallel to the base of the
vessel body 102b. This may allow for comfortable use while limiting
the amount of ash from falling into the water reservoir 102b. In
some embodiments, the receptacle 106b may extend upward at an angle
with respect to a flat surface that supports the water filter 100b
when resting on the base. The receptacle 106b may in other
embodiments be coupled to the vessel body 102b at another angle.
FIGS. 7A-7B discussed below provide examples of an inverted or
downward facing receptacle.
The seal between the article 180 and the receptacle 106b may be
improved or facilitated by a surface treatment or surface finish of
the receptacle 106b. For example, an inner surface 107b of the
receptacle 106b, which may define at least a portion of the tapered
or conical surface, may include surface features or a surface
finish that facilitates forming a seal and retaining the article
180 within the receptacle 106b. In some examples, the inner surface
107b may have a surface texture (e.g., frosted, sandblasted,
grooved). The inner surface 107b may additionally or alternatively
be coated with a light adhesive or frictional material, such as
rubber, urethane, or other substance having a higher coefficient of
friction than the material of the receptacle 106b. In other
examples, the inner surface 107b may be smooth or polished.
Generally, a downtube 108b is fluidically or operably coupled to
the receptacle 106b such that a continuous path is provided from
the article 180 (e.g., rolled product or vaporizer) into the
receptacle 106b, through an outer wall 110b of the vessel body
102b, and into a lower portion of the water reservoir 116b. The
downtube 108b may be formed integral with the vessel body 102b as
shown, with the outer wall 110b of the vessel body 102b and a
channel 112b or defining a chamber 114b or passage through which
smoke passes into the water reservoir 116b. The channel 112b may be
shaped as a partial cylinder molded into or otherwise coupled to
the outer wall 110b. In some embodiments, the downtube may extend
into the reservoir 116b and downward at an angle from the outer
wall 110b (e.g., sidewall) of the vessel body 102b. FIGS. 1C-1E
depict various examples of a downtube that extends into the
reservoir.
The downtube 108b typically forms a passage or chamber 114b
extending to a bottom surface of the water reservoir 116b. In
operation, the water reservoir 116b is partially filled with a
liquid such that the water level 115b is between 1 mm and 20 mm
above the outlet 113b of the downtube 108b. As the article 180
coupled to the receptacle 106b is combusted or vaporized, the
chamber 114b fills with smoke, and smoke may begin to pass through
the liquid and into the portion of the water reservoir 116b above
the water level 115b (e.g., an upper portion of the water
reservoir). A user may further create negative pressure within the
water reservoir 116b (e.g., by drawing air through the mouthpiece
104) to increase the transfer of smoke from the chamber 114b into
the water reservoir 116b.
The mouthpiece 104b is generally positioned on an upper portion of
the vessel body 102b, above the typical water level 115b.
Accordingly, the mouthpiece 104b is typically positioned at least 5
mm above the outlet 113b of the downtube 108b. The mouthpiece 104b
forms another opening through the vessel body 102b and into the
water reservoir 116b. As smoke enters the upper portion of the
water reservoir 116b, the smoke may be drawn from the water
reservoir 116b through the mouthpiece 104b and inhaled by a user.
Frequently, smoke accumulates within the upper portion of the water
reservoir 116b for a short time prior to inhalation, which may
further dissipate heat from the smoke.
FIG. 1C depicts another example cross-sectional view of a water
filter 100c, which may correspond to the water filter 100a of FIG.
1A. As shown in FIG. 1C the downtube 108c is formed integral to (or
integrally formed with) the vessel body 102c and extends inward
from the outer wall 100c and into the chamber 116c. In the present
example, the internal chamber 114c of the downtube 108c may be
formed from a cylindrical or tube-shaped channel 112c that may be
defined, as least in part, by the outer wall 110c of the vessel
body 102c. Specifically, a portion of the internal chamber 114c
that is located at the base of the receptacle 106c and within the
outer wall 110c is defined, in part, by that portion of the outer
wall 110c.
The downtube 108c depicted in FIG. 1C forms a continuous path from
the receptacle 106c to some portion of the water reservoir 116c. In
this example, the downtube 108c extends inward into the water
reservoir 116c. The outlet 113c or port of the downtube 108c is
positioned below a typical water level 115c, delivering smoke
through a liquid and into the upper portion of the water reservoir
116c. Furthermore, similar to as described above with respect to
FIG. 1B, the water filter 100c of FIG. 1C includes a receptacle
106c that is configured to receive an article 180 and may include
one or more of the features described above including a specially
configured tapered or conical surface including the various surface
treatments described with respect to other embodiments. Also,
similar to the previous examples, one or all of the various
elements of the water filter 100f may be integrally formed to
define a single monolithic piece.
FIG. 1D depicts another example cross-sectional view of a water
filter 100d, which may correspond to the water filter 100a of FIG.
1A. Similar to as described above with respect to FIG. 1B, the
water filter 100d of FIG. 1D includes a receptacle 106d that is
configured to receive an article 180 and may include one or more of
the features described above including a specially configured
tapered or conical surface. Similar to the previous examples, one
or all of the various elements of the water filter 100d may be
integrally formed to define a single monolithic piece.
In the example of FIG. 1D, the downtube 108d is formed integral to
(or integrally formed with) the vessel body 102d. In the present
example, the internal chamber 114d of the downtube 108d may be
formed from a cylindrical or tube-shaped channel 112d that may be
defined, as least in part, by the outer wall 110d of the vessel
body 102d. In particular, the downtube 108b defines an internal
chamber 1114d that has an end that is defined, at least in part, by
an inner surface of the outer wall 110d located along the base of
the vessel body 102d. Similar to the previous example, a portion of
the internal chamber 114d that is located at the base of the
receptacle 106d and within the outer wall 110d is also defined, in
part, by the respective portion of the outer wall 110d.
The downtube 108d depicted in FIG. 1D forms a continuous path from
the receptacle 106d to some portion of the water reservoir 116d. In
this example, the downtube 108d extends inward into the water
reservoir 116d. The downtube 108d includes one or more outlets 113d
or ports that are positioned below a typical water level 115d,
delivering smoke through a liquid and into the upper portion of the
water reservoir 116d. As shown in FIG. 1D, the downtube 108d
extends inward to meet the inner surface of the outer wall 110d
along a bottom region of the reservoir 116d. In some cases, a seam,
joint, or other type of interface is defined where the downtube
108b meets the inner surface of the outer wall 110d. The seam or
joint may appear as and/or function as a continuous piece of
material when the lower portion of the downtube 108d is integrally
formed with the lower portion of the outer wall 110d. The downtube
108d may be welded, melted, fused, or otherwise joined with the
outer wall 110d to define a single monolithic piece. In some
embodiments, an array of two or more outlets 113d are formed
proximate to or along the seam. The location of the array of two or
more outlets 113d may also be described as being proximate to an
inner surface of the outer wall 110d.
The outlet configuration of FIG. 1D may have several benefits. For
example, by integrally forming the end or lower region of the
downtube 108d with the outer wall 110d, the strength and mechanical
integrity of the downtube 108d may be improved. Furthermore,
locating multiple small outlets 113d proximate to the seam or the
lower portion of the outer wall 110d may increase the cooling and
filtering performance of water filter 100d. For example, multiple
small outlets 113d decrease the size of the bubble while also
increasing the number or amount of bubbles, which may improve
filtering and/or cooling effects provided by the liquid held in the
chamber 116d. This effect may also be referred to as a percolating
effect or simply a percolator.
FIG. 1E depicts another example cross-sectional view of a water
filter 100e. In the example of FIG. 1E, the receptacle 106e is
still integrally formed with the vessel body 102e. However, the
receptacle 106e extends inward from the outer wall 110e and into
the water reservoir 116c. The receptacle 106e may be described as
being recessed or at least partially recessed into the vessel body
102e. In the example of FIG. 1E, the receptacle 106e does not
extend outward from the vessel body 102e and has an outlet or outer
edge that is flush or substantially flush with an exterior surface
of the outer wall 110e of the vessel body 102. However, in other
embodiments, the receptacle 106e may protrude or may be proud of
the exterior surface of the outer wall 110e.
While the receptacle 106e is recessed into the vessel body 102e in
the present example, similar to as described above with respect to
FIG. 1B, the receptacle 106e is configured to receive an article
180 and may include one or more of the features described above
including a specially configured tapered or conical surface and the
various surface treatments described with respect to other
embodiments. Similar to the previous examples, one or all of the
various elements of the water filter 100f may be integrally formed
to define a single monolithic piece.
As shown in FIG. 1E the downtube 108e is formed integral to (or
integrally formed with) the vessel body 102e and extends inward
from the receptacle 106e and into the chamber 116e. In the present
example, the internal chamber 114e of the downtube 108e may be
formed from a cylindrical or tube-shaped channel 112e. Various
other shapes and cross-sectional profiles are also possible.
Similar to other examples, the outlet 113e or port of the downtube
108e is positioned below a typical water level 115e, delivering
smoke through a liquid and into the upper portion of the water
reservoir 116e.
FIG. 1F depicts another example cross-sectional view of a water
filter 100f, which may correspond to the water filter 100a of FIG.
1A. Similar to as described above with respect to FIG. 1B, the
water filter 100f of FIG. 1F includes a receptacle 106f that is
configured to receive an article 180 and may include one or more of
the features described above including a specially configured
tapered or conical surface and may include one or more of the
surface treatments or surface features described with respect to
other embodiments herein. Similar to the previous examples, one or
all of the various elements of the water filter 100f may be
integrally formed to define a single monolithic piece.
In the example of FIG. 1F, the downtube 108f is formed integral to
(or integrally formed with) the vessel body 102f. However, in this
example, the downtube 108f is formed within a decorative figurine
112f, which defines an internal chamber 114f. Here, the decorative
figurine 112f resembles a dragon character in which the mouth of
the dragon is integrally formed with or otherwise attached to the
outer wall 110f of the vessel body 102f. While the figurine 112f is
depicted as a dragon, the figurine could be another complex
three-dimensional contoured shape that resembles another type of
character or object. It is not necessary that the figurine 112f
resemble a person, animal, or mythical character, but the figurine
112f typically represents some object or form not specifically tied
to the function of the downtube 108f. The figurine 112f of FIG. 1F
may be contrasted with respect to some of the other examples
described above as having a non-uniform or varying cross section
which may expand and narrow in accordance with the complex
three-dimensional contoured shape of the figurine.
The downtube 108f depicted in FIG. 1F forms a continuous path from
the receptacle 106f to the water reservoir 116f. The downtube 108f
is formed by a figurine 112f that includes one or more outlets 113f
or ports that are positioned below a typical water level 115f,
delivering smoke through a liquid and into the upper portion of the
water reservoir 116f. In the present example, the outlets 113f are
positioned along a lower surface of the figurine 112f.
Specifically, multiple outlets are defined along the belly of the
figurine 112f which, in this case, resembles a small dragon
character. Similar the example of FIG. 1D, locating multiple small
outlets 113f within the liquid may increase the cooling and
filtering performance of water filter 100f. For example, multiple
small outlets 113f decrease the size of the bubble while also
increasing the number or amount of bubbles, which may improve
filtering and/or cooling effects provided by the liquid held in the
chamber 116f.
FIGS. 2A-2C depict another example of a water filter according to
the present disclosure. The water filter 200 includes a vessel body
202 having an ellipsoid shape. A receptacle 206 and a mouthpiece
204 are coupled to the vessel body 202. As described with respect
to FIG. 1A-1C, the various components of the water filter 200 may
be formed from an appropriate material, such as glass or plastic.
Generally, the components of the water filter 200 are formed as a
single, monolithic, or unitary body, though this is not
necessary.
The mouthpiece 204 may be formed in a variety of shapes. For
example, FIGS. 2A-2C depict the mouthpiece 204 as a tubular
protrusion formed at a non-perpendicular angle near the top of the
vessel body 202. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece 204 may be
formed as an opening in the vessel body 202, as a flanged opening,
as a tube having a flared end, or in another shape which may
facilitate placement on or within a user's mouth. The mouthpiece
204 may be angled or curved, or may be placed perpendicular to the
top or another surface of the vessel body 202 (such as depicted
with respect to FIG. 5).
In some embodiments, the water filter 200 includes a carburation
port 218. The carburation port 218 may define an opening or
aperture within the vessel body 202 positioned on an upper portion
of the vessel body 202 such that the carburation port 218 is above
a typical water level (e.g., at least 5 mm above the outlet 213 of
the downtube 208) within the reservoir 216. During operation of the
water filter 202, the carburation port 218 facilitates clearing or
harvesting the smoke within the water reservoir 216 by providing a
source for fresh air to enter the vessel body 202 into the water
reservoir 216.
The carburation port 218 may be sized and shaped to allow it to be
covered or sealed by a user's finger (e.g., an index finger). In
some cases, the carburation port 218 is configured to be blocked by
a user's finger when the water filter 200 is held in the user's
hand. For example, a user may generally place a finger over the
carburation port 218 to form a sealed path from the receptacle 206,
through the water reservoir 216, and out through the mouthpiece
204. With this path sealed, the user may draw smoke into the water
reservoir 216 by creating negative pressure within the upper
portion of the water reservoir 216. Once the water reservoir 216
fills with smoke, the user may remove the finger from the
carburation port 218, allowing the user to draw substantially all
the smoke out of the water reservoir 216. During this process, the
carburation port 218 allows the smoke to be replaced with fresh air
from outside the water filter 200.
Accordingly, the carburation port 218 may be a round opening with a
diameter between 2 mm and 15 mm. The carburation port 218 may be
positioned such that a user's finger (e.g., an index finger)
naturally rests on or near the carburation port 218 when the water
filter 200 is held. In the present example, the carburation port
218 is positioned above the receptacle 206, which facilitates use
of a user's index finger to operate the carburation port 218 while
holding the water filter 200 with one hand. The carburation port
218 may be positioned above the receptacle 206 by a distance that
is less than 20 mm. In some cases, the carburation port 218 is
positioned within 15 mm or less from the receptacle 206. In some
cases, the carburation port 218 is positioned at least 5 mm from
the receptacle 206. In some cases, the carburation port is
positioned so that it is blocked by one of two fingers that hold
the water filter 200 by the receptacle 206 (similar to a
traditional cigarette grip).
As depicted, the carburation port 218 may also include a raised
flange to better facilitate a seal with an object, such as a user's
finger. In some embodiments, the opening may be another shape, such
as an oval, square, triangle, or another geometric shape. In some
embodiments, the opening may be configured to mate with another
object, such as a plug in lieu of a user's finger, in order to
create a seal.
In some embodiments, the water filter 200 may further include a
standing base 222, to facilitate placing the water filter 200 on a
surface. The standing base 222 may be coupled to the vessel body
202 via a stem 224. In many embodiments, the standing base 222 and
stem 224 are formed of the same material as the vessel body 202,
and may be formed integrally with the vessel body 202. In other
embodiments, the standing base 222 and/or stem 224 may be separable
from the vessel body 202, and may additionally be formed from
another appropriate material (e.g., glass, silicone, plastic,
metal, ceramic, wood, and so on).
Turning to FIG. 2B, a front view of the water filter of FIG. 2A is
depicted. The water filter 200 includes a receptacle 206 coupled to
the vessel body 202, which receptacle 206 may be similar to the
receptacle 106 depicted with respect to FIGS. 1A-1F. The receptacle
206 is typically formed in a conical shape to accommodate a smoking
or vaporizing article (e.g., a rolled product or vaporizer) having
a variety of shapes and sizes.
In some instances, the tapered or conical surface of the receptacle
206 may have a tapered or conical surface 207 having diameters that
are particularly well suited to receive the smoking or vaporizing
article. For example, the receptacle 206 may define a tapered or
conical surface 207 that defines a first internal diameter 231 at
the opening or first end of the receptacle 206 and a second
internal diameter 232 at an internal portion or second end of the
receptacle 106. The internal portion or second end of the
receptacle may be located inward of the opening (and proximate to
the vessel body 202). In some cases, the first diameter ranges
between 10 mm and 20 mm and the second diameter is smaller than the
first diameter and ranges between 2 mm and 9 mm. In some
implementations, the first diameter ranges between 12 mm and 16 mm
and the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter and
ranges between 3 mm and 6 mm. The receptacle 206 may also have a
length or distance 233 between the first and second end that ranges
between 10 mm and 30 mm. In some cases, the length or distance 233
ranges between 15 mm and 25 mm.
As discussed above, the inner surface 207 may include features to
facilitate retaining a cigarette, vaporizer, or other article
within the receptacle 206 and/or forming a seal between the article
and the receptacle 206. For example, the inner surface 207 may be
textured or coated with a material which increases friction between
the receptacle 206 and an article. In some cases, the inner surface
207 includes grooves or a bead blasted or textured finish to
provide a suitable interface between the receptacle 206 and an
article.
In some embodiments, the receptacle 206 may be formed with a
cleaning port 220. As a cigarette is combusted, ash and other
debris and particulates may accumulate within the receptacle 206,
the downtube 208, and/or the water reservoir. The cleaning port 220
may accommodate the insertion of cleaning implements to clear the
receptacle 206, the downtube 208, and/or the water reservoir of
debris.
Turning to FIG. 2C, a cross sectional view of the water filter in
FIG. 2A is depicted. Similar to the embodiment describe above with
respect to FIG. 1B, the vessel body 202 forms a water reservoir
216. The vessel body 202 is formed by an outer wall 210. Smoke
enters the water reservoir through the receptacle 206, through a
downtube 208, and into a lower portion of the water reservoir 216.
A user typically partially fills the water reservoir 216 with a
liquid to a point above the outlet 213 of the downtube 208, but
well below the mouthpiece 204 and the carburation port 218. Smoke
or vapor may accumulate in the portion of the water reservoir 216
above the liquid.
Generally, a downtube 208 couples to the receptacle 206 such that a
continuous path is provided from the cigarette or other article
into the receptacle 206, through the outer wall 210 of the vessel
body 202, and into a lower portion of the water reservoir 216. In
many embodiments, the downtube 208 may be formed integral with the
vessel body 202, with the outer wall 210 of the vessel body and a
channel 212 coupled to the outer wall 210 defining a chamber 214
through which smoke passes into the water reservoir 216. In some
embodiments, the downtube 208 may not be formed with the outer wall
210, but may instead be formed from a cylindrical channel which
protrudes into the water reservoir 216 (similar to the downtube
108c depicted with respect to FIG. 1C).
The downtube 208 extends near a bottom surface of the water
reservoir 216, such that the outlet 213 of the downtube 208 would
be below a typical water level during operation of the water filter
200. The downtube 208 may deliver smoke under the surface of the
liquid in the water reservoir in a manner similar to that described
above with respect to FIG. 1B.
As FIGS. 3-6C illustrate, a water filter according to the present
disclosure may have a variety of geometric shapes and features. For
example, FIG. 3 depicts a third example of a water filter according
to the present disclosure. The water filter 300 includes a vessel
body 302 having a pear shape. The pear-shaped vessel body 302 may
be partially ellipsoid with a larger diameter lower portion. The
pear-shaped vessel body 302 may also have a flattened bottom
surface 326, such that a standing base may be omitted.
The water filter 300 further includes a receptacle 306 and a
mouthpiece 304 coupled to the vessel body 302, providing a path for
smoke to pass from a cigarette, vaporizer, or other article, into
the receptacle 306, through the vessel body 302, and out through
the mouthpiece 304. The receptacle 306 may be similar to the
receptacles 106, 206 as described above with respect to FIGS.
1A-2C. The receptacle 306 may alternatively be shaped differently,
such as a tubular shape or a combination of a tube and a cone to
accommodate various sizes and shapes of smoking or vaporizing
articles.
The water filter 300 may further include a carburation port 318 in
the vessel body 302. Where the carburation port 218 depicted in
FIGS. 2A-2C was positioned directly above the receptacle 206, the
carburation port 318 may be positioned in other locations, such as
illustrated in FIG. 3. The carburation port 318 may be positioned
above a typical water level (e.g., at least 5 mm above the smoke
outlet from the receptacle 306) in a location at or near where a
typical user may place a finger while holding the water filter
300.
In many embodiments, the water filter 300 is small enough to fit
into a user's hand or otherwise be easily transported. In these and
other embodiments, the water filter 300 may include an attachment
point, such as an eyelet 328, for attachment to a necklace,
bracelet, keychain, or other object for ease of carrying. In some
embodiments, the eyelet 328 may be attached to a top surface 332 of
the vessel body 302, while in other embodiments the eyelet 328 may
be attached at a different location. In some embodiments, the
attachment point may be a rod, bar, hook, or similar feature to
facilitate carrying or attachment to another object.
FIG. 4 depicts a fourth example of a water filter according to the
present disclosure. The water filter 400 includes a vessel body
402, with a receptacle 406 and a mouthpiece 404 coupled to the
vessel body 402. The vessel body 402 may be shaped as a cylinder or
barrel. The barrel-shaped vessel body 402 may further include
decorative features 430. In some embodiments, such decorative
features 430 may be omitted. Embodiments having other vessel body
shapes may also include decorative features 430.
The water filter 400 may include some or all of the features and
functions described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-3. For example,
the receptacle 406 may hold a smoking or vaporizing article (e.g.,
a cigarette or vaporizer) and smoke or vapor from the article may
be delivered into the vessel body 402 and out through the
mouthpiece 404. A carburation port 418 may facilitate clearing
smoke or vapor accumulated in the vessel body 402.
FIG. 5 depicts a fifth example of a water filter according to the
present disclosure. The water filter 500 includes a vessel body
502, with a receptacle 506 and a mouthpiece 504 coupled to the
vessel body 502. The vessel body 502 may be shaped as a conical
frustum, having a diameter which changes along its length, similar
to many ceramic pots.
The water filter 500 may include some or all of the features and
functions described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-4. For example,
the receptacle 506 may hold a rolled cigarette, vaporizer, or other
article and smoke or vapor from the cigarette may be delivered into
the vessel body 502 and out through the mouthpiece 504. As
depicted, the mouthpiece may be formed as a long cylinder coupled
perpendicular to a top surface 532 of the vessel body 502. A
carburation port 518 may facilitate clearing smoke or vapor
accumulated in the vessel body 502.
FIGS. 6A-6C depict another example of a water filter according to
the present disclosure. The water filter 600 includes a vessel body
602, with a receptacle 606 and a mouthpiece 604 coupled to the
vessel body 602. The vessel body 602 also defines a carburation
port 618 positioned along an upper portion of the vessel body 602.
The vessel body 602 may have a stylistic shape with a contoured
surface that resembles a hat or other object. The vessel body 602
defines lower and upper cavities that may be separated by a wall or
section or may be coupled by an open section or chamber.
In this example, the vessel body 602 is integrally formed with a
first tube 616 that couples the receptacle 606 to the internal
cavity (e.g., the lower cavity) of the vessel body 602. The vessel
body 602 is also integrally formed with a second tube 620 that
couples a lower portion or the lower cavity of the vessel body 602
with an upper portion or the upper cavity of the vessel body 602.
As shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the first tube 616 and the second tube 620
may twist around the vessel body 602 and intertwine with each
other.
As shown in FIG. 6B, the first tube 616 extends and twists from a
front region of the water filter 600 to a side of the vessel body
602. The second tube 620 extends and twists from a front of the
lower portion of the vessel body 602 to a side of the upper portion
of the vessel body 602. Also as shown in FIG. 6B, the first tube
616 couples to the lower portion of the vessel body 602 to define
an outlet that is configured to be submerged below the water
reservoir 615. The second tube 620 couples to the lower portion of
the vessel body 602 to define an inlet that is configured to be
above the water reservoir 615. This inlet and outlet configuration,
in combination with the twisted configuration of the first tube 616
and the second tube 620 helps prevent liquid from the water
reservoir 615 from being spilled when the water filter 600 is
tipped or handled.
As shown in FIG. 6B, the receptacle 606 of the water filter 600 may
be configured to receive a smoking or vaporizing article 680. As
described with respect to the other embodiments described herein,
the receptacle 606 may define a conical or tapered surface that is
configured to form a seal between the smoking or vaporizing article
680 and the receptacle 606. Also as shown in FIG. 6B, the
receptacle 606 may be configured to receive an accessory 682. The
accessory 682 may be configured to receive a combustible product
and or a vaporizing oil or other solid or liquid product. In some
cases, the accessory 682 is configured to receive a combustible
leaf product like leaf tobacco. The accessory 682 may also be
configured to receive a product that is able to be vaporized and/or
partially combusted when heated in the accessory 682.
In the example of FIG. 6B, the accessory 682 is a vaporizer bucket,
which may also be referred to as a vaporizer apparatus. The
vaporizer bucket 682 may be configured to receive heat from an
external source in order to vaporize a product held within an open
cavity. The product may include a liquid product which may include,
without limitation, one or more of: an oil, an extract, a solution,
a concentrate or a mixture. The product may also be a solid or gel
form that is vaporized and/or partially combusted in response to an
external heat source. In some cases, the product may be a powdered
solid, a crystalline solid, or other form of solid product.
As shown in FIG. 6B, the vaporizer bucket 682 includes a flat lower
surface 684 that is surrounded by a (cylindrical) wall 683. While
FIG. 6B depicts a rounded or cylindrical wall, it is not necessary
that the wall 683 be cylindrical or rounded in shape and other
variations are possible. The flat lower surface 684 is configured
to vaporize and/or partially combust the product (whether in
liquid, solid, or gel form). The flat lower surface 684 is
configured to vaporize and/or combust the product in response to
receiving heat from an external source, such as a flame, torch or
other heating element. The vaporizer bucket 682 also has an outlet
685 defined along an upper portion of the (cylindrical) wall 683.
The outlet 685 is configured to receive the vaporized product and
route the vaporized product to a conical protrusion 687 through a
hollow tube 688. In particular, the vaporized product may be drawn
through the tube 688 to the conical protrusion when the user
inhales on the water filter 600, which results in a small vacuum
being created at the receptacle 606.
As shown in FIG. 6B, the accessory 682 includes a tapered
protrusion 687 that is configured to form a seal with a conical
internal surface of the receptacle 606. In some embodiments, the
taper or angle of the tapered protrusion 687 corresponds to or is
substantially similar to an internal angle or interior taper of the
conical internal surface of the receptacle. In some embodiments,
the conical internal surface and/or the outer surface of the
tapered protrusion 687 are sand blasted or otherwise treated to
have a surface finish that facilitates the seal between the two
components. While this interface is described with respect to the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 6B, a similar design or approach may be
applied to any of the tapered receptacle embodiments described
herein.
While the accessory 682 is depicted as a vaporizer bucket in FIG.
6B, other types of smoking or vaporizing accessories or articles
may also be used. For example, the water filter 600 may be
configured to be used with a hand-held vaporizer (see, e.g.,
vaporizing apparatus 708 of FIGS. 7A-7B) or another article or
apparatus that is configured to produce a combusted and/or
vaporized product. In some implementations, the receptacle 606, and
the tapered or conical surface of the receptacle, may be configured
to receive and form a partial seal with one or more of these other
types of accessories.
The water filter 600 may include some or all of the features and
functions described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-5. For example,
the receptacle 606 may hold a rolled cigarette and smoke from the
cigarette may be delivered into the vessel body 602 and out through
the mouthpiece 604. As depicted, the mouthpiece may be formed as a
contoured shape that extends from an upper portion of the vessel
body 602. A carburation port 618 may facilitate clearing smoke
accumulated in the vessel body 602.
FIGS. 7A-7B depict another example water filter 700 in accordance
with embodiments described herein. Similar to other examples
described above, the water filter 700 includes a mouthpiece 704 and
a receptacle 706 that may be integrally formed with a vessel body.
In this example, the vessel body includes a multi-chamber vessel
having one or more tubes or passages that fluidically or operably
couple the various internal chambers. In the present embodiment,
the various components of the water filter may be integrally formed
to define a single unitary or monolithic piece or structure.
The example of FIGS. 7A-7B includes a receptacle 706 that is
inverted or downward facing. The receptacle 706 may also include a
tapered or conical internal surface in accordance with other
embodiments described herein. In this example, the receptacle 706
is configured to receive and form a partial seal with a vaporizing
apparatus 708. The vaporizing apparatus 708 may be a hand-held
vaporizer device having an internal heating element that is
configured to heat a liquid product that is contained within an
internal chamber or cartridge. The internal heating element may
vaporize and/or combust the liquid product, which may include,
without limitation, one or more of: an oil, an extract, a solution,
a concentrate or a mixture, in order to produce a vaporized
product. The vaporized product may be drawn from an outlet of the
vaporizing apparatus 708 when the user inhales through the
mouthpiece creating a small vacuum at the receptacle 706. As shown
in FIGS. 7A-7B, the water filter 700 may be configured to be held
in one hand allowing for operation of the vaporizing apparatus 708
with the other hand.
While a vaporizing pen or hand-held vaporizing device is depicted
in FIGS. 7A-7B, other vaporizing apparatuses may also be used in
conjunction with the receptacle 706, which may have a tapered or
conical internal surface. Similar to other examples, the tapered or
conical internal surface of the receptacle 706 may be sand blasted
or otherwise be treated to facilitate a seal between the receptacle
706 and an article, like a vaporizing apparatus or a rolled
product. In some implementations, a vaporizer bucket similar to the
vaporizer bucket 682 of FIG. 6B, may be specially adapted for use
with the inverted receptacle 706 of FIGS. 7A-7B. Specifically, a
vaporizer bucket may have a hollow tube or neck that allows for the
bucket be in an upwards or upright configuration while the
vaporizer bucket is inserted in the inverted receptacle 706.
Similar to the vaporizer bucket 682 of FIG. 6B, such a vaporizer
bucket may also have a tapered protrusion that is configured to be
received by and form a seal with the tapered or conical internal
surface of the receptacle 706.
It should be generally understood from the above description that
the present disclosure is not limited to the particular shapes,
sizes, and features described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-7B.
For example, a variety of vessel body shapes, receptacle shapes,
and mouthpiece shapes are contemplated within the present
disclosure. A variety of lengths and shapes of downtubes are also
contemplated, with the above examples given for illustrative
purposes. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure may
omit or add features such as those described above.
The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used
specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the
described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled
in the art that the specific details are not required in order to
practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing
descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are
presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are
not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the
precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art that many modifications and variations are
possible in view of the above teachings.
* * * * *
References